The Ministry of Justice Witness Intermediary Scheme trains and provides Registered Intermediaries (RIs) to facilitate communication with around 9,000 vulnerable victims and witnesses in police investigations and criminal trials each year. RIs have unique qualifications for enabling children and vulnerable adults with mental health conditions, learning and physical disabilities to give their best evidence.
Who are registered intermediaries?
RIs are self-employed communication specialists who come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds such as speech and language therapy, psychology and education. They combine an understanding of the needs and capabilities of vulnerable individuals with knowledge of criminal justice processes to facilitate communication and advise on the adaptations and any special measures that witnesses may need.
What is their role?
RIs are impartial and do not ‘support’ the witness; their responsibility is to the justice system, and they are a neutral officer of the court. They use their professional expertise to facilitate two-way communication with the witness and enable them to give their best evidence. They are not an expert witness and only advise on the communication needs of the witness and the adaptations recommended to enable the witness to give their best evidence.
How do RIs work with witnesses?
RIs will establish a rapport with the vulnerable witness and wherever possible the same RI will assist with the ABE interview as well as at court. Part of their role is to review and, if necessary, rephrase cross examination questions to enable understanding. They may also help with emotional regulation to prevent the witness from becoming overwhelmed. The RI will never disclose the content of questions to the witness or other counsel without express written consent.
How can I best work with RIs?
Although the police and CPS are responsible for booking RIs, in the interests of the vulnerable witness, it is crucial that everyone involved works closely and communicates effectively with the RI and they are given sufficient time to review questions before a hearing. Many RIs do not have a full-time working pattern, continuing their roles in other occupations alongside their work as an intermediary. Given the importance of maintaining continuity for the witness, and RIs’ working patterns, it is important that the court can take account of their availability when scheduling hearings.
RIs are happy to explain their role so the everyone understands how they are qualified to facilitate communication with the witness. For more information or to ask a question, please contact registered.interme@Justice.
To note: Intermediaries for defendants and parties in family and civil proceedings are provided through the separate HMCTS Intermediary Service.
